Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have offered contrasting verdicts on Kobbie Mainoo’s lack of minutes for England at the World Cup.
Mainoo has remained an unused substitute throughout England’s six matches ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.
His absence has attracted further attention because the 21-year-old had started 16 of Michael Carrick’s first 17 matches after the manager returned to Manchester United in January.
Scholes admitted he could not understand why Thomas Tuchel had overlooked Mainoo, particularly when Reece James was introduced shortly after returning from a hamstring problem.
Butt took a different position. He believes introducing Mainoo for the first time during a World Cup semi-final could place the midfielder in an unnecessarily difficult situation.
The former United midfielder said he hoped Mainoo would not be brought on against Argentina because he has not played enough competitive football during the tournament.
The Peoples Person’s report carries the contrasting comments from Scholes and Butt.
Mainoo’s wait gives Carrick another pre-season consideration
Mainoo’s lack of minutes reduces concerns about physical fatigue, but England’s progress will still delay his return to Carrington.
ReadManUtd previously covered how Mainoo and Marcus Rashford reached the semi-finals without featuring against Norway.
Elsewhere, United have now completed the free-transfer signing of Karl Darlow following his departure from Leeds United. The experienced goalkeeper has joined to provide competition and cover behind Senne Lammens.
Neco Williams also remains among the full-backs linked with United, although Nottingham Forest are under little pressure to sell their Player of the Season.
United continue to admire Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as well. However, Bournemouth’s reluctance to negotiate and a reported £80m valuation make a summer agreement difficult.
For now, Mainoo’s situation carries the greatest immediate interest. He remains one match away from a World Cup final without playing a minute under Tuchel.
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